2009 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Chrysler Viper
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chrysler Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chrysler Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 Chrysler Viper. (389 HP @ 5150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Chrysler Viper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1998 Chrysler Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | M3 | Viper |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 7986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5150 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 621 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
